H-D, DAV Help Wounded Vets Move Forward

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For the fourth straight year, Harley-Davidson continues its tradition of honoring United States military veterans throughout the month of November, this year by raising awareness of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the Harley’s Heroes program through a national video campaign spotlighting two veterans who have benefitted from the program.

Troy Torgerson of Wausau, Wis. and Nick Bernardi of Newark, N.J., both served in Iraq and sought help from the DAV upon their return home. Their videos can be viewed at www.harley-davidson.com/military.

Harley’s Heroes brings DAV mobile service offices (MSOs) to Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the country on more than 200 days out of the year, bringing services directly to where veterans live.

DAV National Service Officers, all of whom are disabled veterans themselves, help veterans understand and apply for the benefits available, including medical treatment, disability compensation, insurance, home loans, continued education and training, and more. Veterans get help navigating the process of applying for and securing the benefits to which they’re entitled through the VA. Last year, Harley’s Heroes helped the nation’s heroes claim tens of millions of dollars in earned benefits.

“Through these veterans’ stories, we’re hoping to inspire other veterans by showing them the positive impact DAV can have, as well as motivate them to pursue the benefits they deserve,” said Mike McCann, director of core consumer marketing at Harley-Davidson. “The services the DAV provides all across the country day in and day out are vital to helping injured veterans move onward with their lives, and we’re proud to support their efforts with the Harley’s Heroes program.”

Since 2007, Harley-Davidson has provided $2 million in grants to the DAV. DAV MSOs visit over 800 U.S. locations each year and serve more than 18,000 veterans per year through this program.

“Harley’s Heroes enables DAV to provide free services that empower veterans to live a higher quality of life. Through our partnership, we recognize and honor those who defended our way of life,” said Arthur H. Wilson, DAV National Adjutant. “We’re grateful for all this partnership has done to ensure that we fulfill our promises to the men and women who serve.”

Harley-Davidson’s history with the U.S. military dates back almost 100 years. More than one third of Harley-Davidson customers are veterans of the armed forces, and approximately 15% of all Harley-Davidson employees are veterans. In recent years, in addition to the Harley’s Heroes program, Harley-Davidson has paid tribute to the nation’s veterans through donations made to the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.harley-davidson.com.

About DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. www.dav.org